There is something special about a late August evening in Long Beach. The sun begins to soften, the ocean breeze rolls in around 7:00 p.m., and the warmth of the afternoon gives way to a comfortable coastal calm. It is the kind of evening that reminds you why so many people searching for apartments in Long Beach, NY, picture themselves settling into this seaside community.
The final weekends of August also happen to bring together two of the city's favorite traditions. The annual arts and crafts fair transforms the boardwalk into an open-air gallery, while free beachfront concerts fill the shoreline with music after sunset.
Whether you enjoy browsing handcrafted artwork, relaxing by the ocean, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, these Long Beach, NY, events make it easy to fill an entire weekend without ever leaving the waterfront. Read on for a closer look at how locals make the most of this final stretch of summer!
Ultimate Guide to the Arts and Crafts Fair
Every summer, the Long Beach Historical Society Arts & Crafts Fair brings artists and makers together for one of the season's most anticipated traditions. This year's Long Beach fair takes place along the boardwalk, beginning near Riverside Boulevard and creating an inviting route where each section offers something different to discover.
Plan Your Visit
Before heading out, keep these event details in mind:
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Saturday, August 29, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Sunday, August 30, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Location: Beginning at Riverside Boulevard and extending along the boardwalk.
Many visitors simply know it as the Long Beach Street Fair, but its emphasis on handcrafted work gives it a personality all its own. Instead of rows of identical vendors, you'll find artists sharing pieces inspired by coastal life and Long Island's creative community.
What You'll Find This Year
This year's craft fair in Long Beach continues the trend toward thoughtfully made, coastal-inspired creations. As you wander from booth to booth, expect to discover:
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Handcrafted décor made from reclaimed nautical wood
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Sea glass jewelry created by South Shore artisans
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Premium woven beach blankets and textiles
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Coastal paintings, photography, and handcrafted ceramics
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One-of-a-kind gifts that reflect Long Beach's relaxed waterfront lifestyle
Even a leisurely walk through the fair, with ocean views and live demonstrations from local artisans, turns into one of the most enjoyable ways to pass time without spending much at all.
The event also feels distinctly local. Conversations with artists are part of the experience, and many exhibitors are happy to explain the inspiration behind their work or the techniques used to create each piece. That personal connection is one reason this annual craft fair in Long Beach continues to attract visitors year after year.
A Local Tip Worth Knowing
If there is one piece of advice longtime residents consistently share, it is to arrive early on Saturday.
By 10:00 a.m., the boardwalk is still comfortably relaxed. Vendors have finished setting up, selections are at their fullest, and there is plenty of room to browse without feeling rushed. Around midday, however, things begin to change as Long Island Rail Road passengers arrive from The City, bringing an energetic crowd that continues well into the afternoon.
Planning your visit around that early window lets you enjoy the artwork at your own pace before the busiest part of the day begins. Afterward, you can linger along the waterfront, stop for lunch, or simply continue exploring the rest of Long Beach outside the fair as the atmosphere grows livelier.
Unwinding at the Beachfront Summer Concert Series
As the afternoon fades into evening, the energy along the waterfront shifts naturally from browsing artwork to gathering for music. The city's free summer concert series turns the beach into an open-air venue where the Atlantic provides the backdrop and every performance feels a little more memorable with the sound of the waves nearby.
One week you might hear smooth jazz drifting across the sand as the sun begins to set. The next, classic rock favorites have the crowd singing along, followed by local reggae bands that perfectly match the easygoing coastal atmosphere. This variety is part of what keeps people coming back throughout the season, and why Long Beach, NY, and its events continue to draw both longtime residents and first-time visitors year after year.
Watching the sunset from the sand while enjoying live music in Long Beach, NY, has become one of those simple traditions that locals look forward to every August.
Set Up Like a Local
Experienced concertgoers know that a little preparation goes a long way. Boardwalk benches fill quickly once people begin arriving, so most regulars bring a few essentials that make the evening more comfortable.
Consider packing:
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A low-profile beach chair
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A compact cooler with drinks and snacks
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A light sweatshirt for when the ocean breeze picks up
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A small blanket for extra comfort on the sand
Rather than treating the concert as a quick stop, many families and groups of friends settle in well before the music begins. Conversations stretch across the beach, children play near the shoreline, and the relaxed pace becomes just as enjoyable as the performance itself.
Turn the Concert Into a Full Evening Out
One of the best parts about the concert series is how naturally it pairs with the surrounding neighborhood.
Before heading to the beach, many locals swing through the West End to pick up dinner from one of the area's favorite neighborhood spots. Fresh seafood, tacos, sandwiches, or pizza travel well and make an easy picnic while the music plays.
After the encore, the night doesn't have to end. A short stroll leads to the rooftop at the Allegria Hotel, where panoramic views of the illuminated coastline create a completely different perspective on Long Beach. With the lights reflecting off the Atlantic and the boardwalk still buzzing below, it is an elegant way to close out a summer evening.
Bringing the Seasonal Energy to Your Front Door
The best part about living in Long Beach is not having to plan your entire weekend around these experiences. When the boardwalk, concerts, and annual fairs are only a short walk from home, spontaneous evenings become part of your routine.
One afternoon might begin with browsing handcrafted artwork before meeting friends for dinner. Another could start with a relaxing stroll along the Long Beach Boardwalk Fair, continue with a concert on the sand, and end with rooftop views overlooking the shoreline. Instead of spending time searching for parking or coordinating a day trip, you simply head outside and join the community.
If that sounds like the kind of everyday rhythm you're looking for, discover our residential communities in Long Beach and see how close you can be to the experiences that make every summer unforgettable!